Making Space

Hello Friends,

I am fascinated by the things I was offered to make space for in my life this week. It all started last weekend when John's brother called me at 6:45 am Saturday to say he thought John's best friend was in trouble. It turns out his friend was in trouble and due to the sensitive nature of the circumstances I will refrain from sharing details at this time, however, things are stable for now.

Additionally that evening we had friends over for dinner. Their 19 -month- old daughter played with our older dog. Something she did offended our aging dog to the extent that the dog growled and pawed at her face. A lesson for all parties. First for John and I to observe our animal around children more critically. But also a lesson for the girl's parents to be more careful around animals that are new to their daughter. Uff - please learn from this story anyone with a dog they think is all hearts and balloons. The little girl startled and cried and she suffered a paw mark and a couple of puncture wounds near her nose and eye. I was horrified and mortified to say the least. It was such an empty and helpless place to find myself amidst an evening of relaxation and play. I was jolted to despair. As I reflect I think of the book, The Prophet, and the excerpt about sorrow and joy. To paraphrase: when happiness is in our countenance - sorrow is at the foot of our bed. The notion that joy and sorrow are hand-maidens always present together, although tricky in that one is often more pronounced than the other.

This week in class we examined how yoga practice is a space we create in our lives. Each time we return to practice, on or off our mats, we become more connected to a diamond-strong place of strength. We don't wish for our dogs to harm those we love, or for our friends to be victimized, but it happens. It happens to responsible, loving people. It doesn't make us any less responsible or loveable....it just makes life real. Amidst the joy of spending time with friends we can experience emptiness and hopelessness. We can't change all the things that life throws our way, but we can take a moment to breathe, go inward and see the reality of our situation. And then we expand outward from a place of strength (inner truth and wisdom). That is the gift of a dedicated practice. We make space for the darkness, because we are called to, and emerge in stillness and strength regardless. We can win no matter what!

Returning to our mat helps us connect to physical strength and our nervous system responds favorably. Our being is affirmed as we soften to line up our optimal muscle-skeletal being, and from there hug muscles to bone. As we observe our breath in the pose we go inward to check in with our present reality and from that place of wisdom we expand outward. This practice becomes a familiar place.....a haven for our body, mind and soul. This place is available to us always, yet we so often forget in the moments when we most need a steady, diamond-strong foundation. It is the steadfast practice that offers this reward. From our dedication we more quickly remember this ever-present core, "Nisprapancaya Shantaya." Next time you feel too overwhelmed to take time to make space for challenge, take a breathe, go inward and expand from your inner strength. It isn't always instant gratification, but the steps are always the same.

I am happy to say we are in process with determining how to move forward with our beloved dog and wishing the best outcome for our friend. The reality is there isn't always a nice, neat bow. But who wants to live in a situation comedy after-all? I'll take my life, raw - thank you much.


To your slice of peace in the midst of reality,
Maren